God’s Restoration Project

He is faithful . . . to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

According to Christian History and Biography, visitors to the Sistine Chapel once saw Michelangelo’s beautiful frescoes marred by muted colors and dark shadows. Many people assumed the artist had painted them that way on purpose. The real culprits, however, were grime and pollution.

A major restoration project in the 1980s showed what a thorough cleaning can do. Using computer technology and chemical solvents, experts repaired damaged sections and wiped away accumulated grime. The result was a brilliant, colorful room that reveals Michelangelo’s genius and leaves us breathless with his vivid images.

Some people have been caked with grime so long they think that’s the way they’re supposed to be. They need a thorough cleansing. Those dysfunctional attitudes, destructive habits, harsh words, self-defeating actions, and secret sins—they can all be wiped away by the blood of Jesus Christ.

He forgives thoroughly and He forgives eternally; and if He forgives like that, shouldn’t we be merciful and forgiving to others? Do you need His forgiveness for yourself? Do you need to forgive someone else?

Wipe away the grime, and see the beauty of the Master Artist.

Cleansed and made holy, humble and lowly, right in the sight of God.

ELISHA HOFFMAN